Legends Rugby Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala, has officially closed its doors to rugby activities after 14 years of service to the sport. The closure marks the end of an era for Ugandan rugby, as the facility has been home to several premier clubs and a hub for major rugby events.
Established in the early 2000s, Legends Rugby Grounds became a cornerstone for rugby in Uganda. The facility was home to top clubs such as Kobs, Rhinos, Panthers, Rams, and Warriors, and hosted numerous national and international matches, including the Guinness 7s Series and the Kitaka 10s tournament. Its central location in Kampala made it accessible for fans and players alike.
In 2012, the Kampala Rugby Union Football Club (KRUFC) sold the facility to private investor Daniel Kaggwa under a lease agreement. The lease expired on March 31, 2025, and efforts to renew it were unsuccessful. Following the expiration, businessman Stanslas Isiagi, the landowner, took possession of the grounds with plans to redevelop the site into a hotel and swimming pool. This development has left the five affected clubs scrambling for alternative venues.
The closure has sent shockwaves through the rugby community. Emmanuel Fudribo, an official from the Rhinos Rugby Club, expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, “Where we go from here is uncertain. We’ll have to wait and see how this weekend plays out.” The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has yet to announce a new home for the affected clubs.
Despite the closure, Guinness Uganda remains committed to supporting rugby in the country. In 2024, Guinness announced a multi-million-shilling partnership with Kobs, Rhinos, and Warriors, designating Legends Rugby Grounds and Pitstop Sports Lounge in Jinja as official hubs of Guinness Rugby for the next three years. The company has expressed its dedication to nurturing rugby talent and promoting the sport across Uganda.
As Legends Rugby Grounds closes its doors, the future of rugby in Uganda faces uncertainty. The affected clubs and the Uganda Rugby Union must collaborate to find new venues that can accommodate the growing interest in the sport. The closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sports facilities in maintaining operations and the importance of long-term planning and investment in sports infrastructure.
The legacy of Legends Rugby Grounds will undoubtedly live on in the memories of players, fans, and the broader rugby community, who have witnessed and contributed to the growth of the sport over the past 14 years.
